Nothing wrong with my technique - Hafeez

Mohammad Hafeez, Pakistan's opening batsman, has fiercely denied being the team's weak link despite sub-standard performances with the bat. Hafeez registered his fourth single-digit score of the series to open Pakistan up for the second time in the match and leave them staring at a whitewash.

Despite posting his highest score of the series in the first innings - 18, Hafeez has had a disappointing time overall with just 43 runs from six innings. His record outside the subcontinent and Zimbabwe is similarly dismal with his average sitting at 15.59.

Still, he believes he is fit to continue as an opener at Test level. "I am really working hard in the nets, it's just that I got some good balls in the series," a defensive Hafeez said at the end of day two. "There is nothing wrong with my technique, it's just that the runs aren't coming and I am not performing for the team."

After surviving for more than an hour in Pakistan's first innings, Hafeez looked set to turn his fortunes around. He was driving well and looked more comfortable at the crease than he has thus far. But he succumbed to a familiar problem that ran through the entire line-up today.

As he tried to fend off extra bounce from Kyle Abbott, he popped a chance up to Dean Elgar at gully to spark Pakistan's collapse. In the second innings, it was the other problem Pakistan's openers have had that affected Hafeez - the struggle against the new ball with its pace and movement. Dale Steyn was keen to finish the job and steamed in, Hafeez was stuck in his crease and played on.

Deliveries like that, not his own inability to deal with them or the conditions, are what Hafeez thinks has hampered him this series. "The bowler did the basics right, especially by pitching the ball in the right areas," he explained. "And credit must go to them, especially to the debutant Abbott, who bowled really well. There is not too much in the pitch, there is some bounce which we expected."

Hafeez has also been under-utilised with the ball, except at the Wanderers where he made a major impact, but feels the captain "knows how to handle the players," and does not see that as a way in which he could have contributed more. Instead, he remains symbolic of Pakistan's malaise, although he also insists their troubles are not as serious as they look.

"In Cape Town we had some good moments. We couldn't put pressure on them but we are trying to fight it out. If we have one good partnership here, we can fight it out. We are very capable of scoring runs on any track. We need things to change. The series will go on and the boys will come out with some good performances," he said.

For that, Pakistan will need a Herculean partnership, even better than the one Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq put on at Newlands, which was the highest by visiting batsmen in South Africa in seven years. Younis is at the crease and Shafiq is yet to come. They also have Imran Farhat, who didn't come out to bat in the second innings. He was struck on the hand and has since had an x-ray taken, but will be fine to bat on the third day. Pakistan's chances still appear thin.

The South African attack, even without Morne Morkel and Jacques Kallis, remains potent and aggressive. Perhaps more importantly, they are uber-confident, something that was evident in Graeme Smith enforcing the follow-on. "We all thought of not having to bat last but it was a very positive move," AB de Villiers explained. "Graeme showed confidence in the bowlers. Hopefully in the morning session, it will move around a lot like it did today. I found it played quite well after lunch on day one but it does a bit in the morning."

Pakistan have had to contend with many early bursts in the series and those words will not give them any comfort. In this situation, only small goals are worthwhile, such as getting through the first over, then the first hour and then the first session. If they can achieve some of those, Hafeez may be proved right in some ways. "We lost the series but this game was a little bit different and we have to come up with some good performances," he said.

Actually there is nothing wrong in Hafeez's technique. That is what his technique is. He can only perform in subcontinent conditions. He can't play in seaming and bouncy wickets. There is nothing new in this weakness in general for subcontinent batsmen who are accustomed to play on flat wickets where ball doesn't bounce much above waist. Look at how Indian batsmen are performing outside of India. Its the same story here too.

POSTED BY
mazii
on | February 24, 2013, 13:13 GMT

The first step to improve ones technique is to realize that the problem is their, but Hafeez isn't an improved cricketer when it comes to play test match cricket outside sub-continent. I think Pakistani whole batting line-up, except few individual herculean performances, lacks even the basics to play swing and seam bowling , what to say about batting against Steyn and Co. Hafeez may be good for t20 or to a certain extent for ODIs but on sub-continent pitches but he is not good to play outside sub-continent. Pakistan's batsmen ultra defensive approach has been another factor for this shameful loss. Well this humiliation was on the cards. The SA bowlers fell prey to Clarke's aggression and nearly lost that match. Pakistan disappoint the whole nation with this dismal performance. Pakistan, like other sub-continent teams, just good to play on sub-continent pitches. We despised India's 8-0 and 2-1, but look at Pakistan's 3-0 with just one good fight in the second test. Pathetic performance.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 13:00 GMT

Hafiz has always been lacking something.. techniques or form. I don't think it's a good excuse to say that he is getting out by good deliveries, still he is the best option we've got!
Also, its good that Pak slectors are trying new young bowlers.. Even if its bc of injuries. Although, I would've liked to see more young batsmen instead of Farhat & Ali. And I'm really surprised why Jamshed is left out for Farhat; Farhat hasn't performed for a long time and he doesn't deserve another chance.. He is eating into someone else's piece of pie. I think if any batsmen or bowler does not force a permanent spot in 2-3 comebacks, he wount cement it in 4, 5 or 10 opportunities, it's bc he is not meant to be there and so he doesn't deserve more chances. This always happens in Pak, why do we need players like Shoaib Malik for 1days. He Will NOT help the team in anyway whatsoever, His Time Had Gone.. Why dont the selectors understand but then again, i guess we are used to making "good decisions".

POSTED BY
creekeetman
on | February 24, 2013, 11:11 GMT

@ Waheedahmad Malik...... lol, very well put.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 9:13 GMT

Pakistan needs a complete change in the batting squad ...God knows why they don't try new players ...Nasir failed so they got in Imran Farhat ??? is that what all you have ? you name it and almost eveyone has been a failure with bat ..Hafeez, Azhar, Asad, Shoaib Malik, Razzaq, Afridi, Farhat, Sarfaraz, Kamran etc etc ...Pakistanis needs a complete makeover in the batting field else they will keep being embarrassed again and again.

POSTED BY
Simoc
on | February 24, 2013, 8:59 GMT

From what I've seen Hafeez has got out to some pretty good balls. I think it's unfortunate that Pakistan don't have the services of the suspended young fast bowler who seemed as good as anyone going around. Hopefully he'll be back soon and showing the outstanding talent he is. England were shamefully pathetic against Pakistan recently which wasn't even a home game for Pakistan.It seems only Australia has the spine to stand up to SA as England were also meek at home vs SA.

POSTED BY
Dannymania
on | February 24, 2013, 8:44 GMT

This is not THAT time anymore when players like hafeez used to say stuff and people took their word for it!Now a days people can tell for themselves if the batsman is technically sound or not.And hafeez is certainly one of the worst openers in the world,technically!
Now no matter what he says,we WILL NOT believe him.We'll believe younus khan because he is giving them a fight atleast.Hafeez is a good batsman and i like him.but now he's saying stuff like there's nothing wrong with his batting etc..thats not acceptable because...
YES HAFEEZ,A LOT IS WRONG ABOUT YOUR TECHNIQUE!!WAKE UP FROM THE DENIAL AND MAN UP TO FACE THE CHALLENGE!

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 8:42 GMT

Hafeez got some unbelievable good deliveries , on which any batsman can get out, SA pitches are not good for the opener, even SA openers also struggling for runs,, its not completely about getting use to of conditions, for me he played only one poor shot during the third test match in first innings, all other dismissals where gem of the deliveries, so it is my humble request to all people that dont shout on the performance of one series,, its not easy to build players so no need to waste them on the basis of performance of one series.. SA team is unbeatable on his own condition but i am sure we will beat them once they come in UAE in octobor, SA and Abdur Rehman will expose there weakness against quality spin bowling.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 8:34 GMT

PCB doesn't underestimate the value of experience if Muhammad Yousf was a part of team then the score board would be different. i don't know why is he not playing. there is a huge shame on selectors.

POSTED BY
hamaadqureshi
on | February 24, 2013, 8:30 GMT

Foolish statement by hafeez.
First step towards improvement is to accept your drawbacks and mistakes. Hafeez isn't ready to accept them. How could he improve?

POSTED BY
AvidCricFan
on | February 24, 2013, 15:21 GMT

Actually there is nothing wrong in Hafeez's technique. That is what his technique is. He can only perform in subcontinent conditions. He can't play in seaming and bouncy wickets. There is nothing new in this weakness in general for subcontinent batsmen who are accustomed to play on flat wickets where ball doesn't bounce much above waist. Look at how Indian batsmen are performing outside of India. Its the same story here too.

POSTED BY
mazii
on | February 24, 2013, 13:13 GMT

The first step to improve ones technique is to realize that the problem is their, but Hafeez isn't an improved cricketer when it comes to play test match cricket outside sub-continent. I think Pakistani whole batting line-up, except few individual herculean performances, lacks even the basics to play swing and seam bowling , what to say about batting against Steyn and Co. Hafeez may be good for t20 or to a certain extent for ODIs but on sub-continent pitches but he is not good to play outside sub-continent. Pakistan's batsmen ultra defensive approach has been another factor for this shameful loss. Well this humiliation was on the cards. The SA bowlers fell prey to Clarke's aggression and nearly lost that match. Pakistan disappoint the whole nation with this dismal performance. Pakistan, like other sub-continent teams, just good to play on sub-continent pitches. We despised India's 8-0 and 2-1, but look at Pakistan's 3-0 with just one good fight in the second test. Pathetic performance.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 13:00 GMT

Hafiz has always been lacking something.. techniques or form. I don't think it's a good excuse to say that he is getting out by good deliveries, still he is the best option we've got!
Also, its good that Pak slectors are trying new young bowlers.. Even if its bc of injuries. Although, I would've liked to see more young batsmen instead of Farhat & Ali. And I'm really surprised why Jamshed is left out for Farhat; Farhat hasn't performed for a long time and he doesn't deserve another chance.. He is eating into someone else's piece of pie. I think if any batsmen or bowler does not force a permanent spot in 2-3 comebacks, he wount cement it in 4, 5 or 10 opportunities, it's bc he is not meant to be there and so he doesn't deserve more chances. This always happens in Pak, why do we need players like Shoaib Malik for 1days. He Will NOT help the team in anyway whatsoever, His Time Had Gone.. Why dont the selectors understand but then again, i guess we are used to making "good decisions".

POSTED BY
creekeetman
on | February 24, 2013, 11:11 GMT

@ Waheedahmad Malik...... lol, very well put.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 9:13 GMT

Pakistan needs a complete change in the batting squad ...God knows why they don't try new players ...Nasir failed so they got in Imran Farhat ??? is that what all you have ? you name it and almost eveyone has been a failure with bat ..Hafeez, Azhar, Asad, Shoaib Malik, Razzaq, Afridi, Farhat, Sarfaraz, Kamran etc etc ...Pakistanis needs a complete makeover in the batting field else they will keep being embarrassed again and again.

POSTED BY
Simoc
on | February 24, 2013, 8:59 GMT

From what I've seen Hafeez has got out to some pretty good balls. I think it's unfortunate that Pakistan don't have the services of the suspended young fast bowler who seemed as good as anyone going around. Hopefully he'll be back soon and showing the outstanding talent he is. England were shamefully pathetic against Pakistan recently which wasn't even a home game for Pakistan.It seems only Australia has the spine to stand up to SA as England were also meek at home vs SA.

POSTED BY
Dannymania
on | February 24, 2013, 8:44 GMT

This is not THAT time anymore when players like hafeez used to say stuff and people took their word for it!Now a days people can tell for themselves if the batsman is technically sound or not.And hafeez is certainly one of the worst openers in the world,technically!
Now no matter what he says,we WILL NOT believe him.We'll believe younus khan because he is giving them a fight atleast.Hafeez is a good batsman and i like him.but now he's saying stuff like there's nothing wrong with his batting etc..thats not acceptable because...
YES HAFEEZ,A LOT IS WRONG ABOUT YOUR TECHNIQUE!!WAKE UP FROM THE DENIAL AND MAN UP TO FACE THE CHALLENGE!

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 8:42 GMT

Hafeez got some unbelievable good deliveries , on which any batsman can get out, SA pitches are not good for the opener, even SA openers also struggling for runs,, its not completely about getting use to of conditions, for me he played only one poor shot during the third test match in first innings, all other dismissals where gem of the deliveries, so it is my humble request to all people that dont shout on the performance of one series,, its not easy to build players so no need to waste them on the basis of performance of one series.. SA team is unbeatable on his own condition but i am sure we will beat them once they come in UAE in octobor, SA and Abdur Rehman will expose there weakness against quality spin bowling.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 8:34 GMT

PCB doesn't underestimate the value of experience if Muhammad Yousf was a part of team then the score board would be different. i don't know why is he not playing. there is a huge shame on selectors.

POSTED BY
hamaadqureshi
on | February 24, 2013, 8:30 GMT

Foolish statement by hafeez.
First step towards improvement is to accept your drawbacks and mistakes. Hafeez isn't ready to accept them. How could he improve?

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 8:15 GMT

Why people angy with pakistan team and batsman. Just accept we have no good player in pakistan taem these days. no miadad, no inzamam, no yosuf, no saeed. U have doneys and u compete with horse so why blame donkey. pls find horse in pakistan.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 8:15 GMT

Strange people commenting on cricket here. Can someone tell me what was inzi's average in SA? what azhar ali, misbah, sarfraz and nasir are doing better than him??? what better Pakistan have done in SA ever? They are facing world's best bowling attack on most hard-scoring pitches so give him a break.. he has been Pakistan's best player from last 2,3 years and you can't expect much from him either. The thing is if we have a better player than him in reserve then push him forward to face the music otherwise just keep calm and let him play better in ODI and T20. he will score runs in UAE where i can see Saffas better and bowlers 'strugling big time. Can't see flat sickets for them this time out. pitches will turn a lot there.

POSTED BY
Cricket_Man
on | February 24, 2013, 8:15 GMT

Hafeez is a good cricketer but he needs to fight for his place in the side. I am not an expert, but if you look at most of his dismissals, his back leg doesn't move at all. I think he should be batting at MIsbah's number as he can still be good for the team. Misbah's days are numbered. Misbah may have taken the team out from the gallows after the spot fixing scandal but he isn't a good batsman. He is a negative captain and that reflects not only in his batting but is now reflecting in the rest of the team too. Our bowlers lack the aggression and the batters lack the courage thanks to our captain.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 8:14 GMT

Pakistan definately lack the technique to play good swing & seam bowling. They are fishing outside off stump which is criminal if you cannot read the swing from the hand. Lastly they are given tough time from umpires the umpiring standard is way below par in this series and unfortunately pakistan is on the receiving end most of the times.

POSTED BY
QingdaoXI
on | February 24, 2013, 6:53 GMT

Ya Haffez, nothing is wrong with your technique, evry thing is wrong from PCB that how they selected you for tests. Hafeez is the medicore bastmen just like pitch hitter and play in t-20s and to some extent in ODIs, sorry not for test. Pakistan has to groom young test captain or may be appoint in next series as i dont see Mishbah playing in next series.

POSTED BY
Shiw
on | February 24, 2013, 6:40 GMT

Very True. There is no problem with technique. Its the problem of mind.If the bowler is Dale Styen on the other end this is bound to happen.

POSTED BY
sherishahmir
on | February 24, 2013, 5:58 GMT

Why we r blaming only hafeez, in general all batsman of subcontinent r having poor technique while batting on lively wickets supporting fast bowlers that why no team from subcontinent is ever able to beat S Africa and Australia in their backyards ever, though we have seen the class acts batsman were been played ,i.e. Sachin,Dravid, Inzamam, Yousif, Saeed Anwar, Sangakara, Jawardene etc. As far Hafeez is concerned he never in list of greats bats from subcontinent, he is mere good in subcontinent pitches or while playing against Zimbabwe. Pakistan genuine opener is Tawfique Omer and talented Jamshed, players like Imran farhat, Hafeez, Imran Nazir, Faisal Iqbal etc should have been completely written off. If we have to give chances to these old proven failures than why we are not trying Fawad Alam, Umer Amin,Khurrum Manzoor and other youngster who have not been given ample opportunities to perform and then may perform better.

POSTED BY
SaleemHatoum
on | February 24, 2013, 5:41 GMT

Are these Pakistanis playing for 'good moments' or 'trying to put their best to win the match"?

POSTED BY
Mohsinasgher
on | February 24, 2013, 5:36 GMT

Hafeez,Misbah and umargul they all are players who never be ashamed of whether they play good or bad, i think it is the right time to through them out of atleast test teams....

POSTED BY
ABRAR-JANJUA
on | February 24, 2013, 5:17 GMT

What is right with his Technique ?? he is an Overrated Player and his Technique against quality Fast bowler is very ordinary. Shameful statement that, I didn't even like to read that full article.

POSTED BY
mtalhas
on | February 24, 2013, 4:09 GMT

If you want to see the depth of talent in Pakistan, just go and see a tape ball match on any street. Children of today dont even know who to idolise. Gone are the days when people followed Anwar,Inzi,Miandad in batting and Waqar,Wasim in bowling. The team hardly lasts a 6 over match because everyone comes in to slog like Afridi. Techniques are lost and learning is not taking place anymore. for 50 years Pakistan had been relying on raw talent. But those reserves are drying up for them and coaches like Whatmore are not the solution to this. Pakistan will continue to struggle like this. A batting line which was opened by Hanif,Majid,Anwar is now being led by players like Hafeez. What a shame.

POSTED BY
mtalhas
on | February 24, 2013, 3:50 GMT

I always said that he was never a good player. His good times came on flat tracks where infact every batsman was having a good time. I dont know why people keep praising him by names such as professor. I can sit on my couch while watchin a match and can make a very good strategy. And I am a good player of tape ball so I beleive I would do better than hafeez :) Its a pity that in a nation where cricket is played widely, selectors did not find any better opener than hafeez. If PCB has guts, they should dump him forever. Hafeez, Farhat, Malik..and the list of such players goes on. And I beleive the coaching trio is a final nail in the coffin.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 3:26 GMT

He is right. He has all the required technique to succeed in these pitches. Wait, but, does he get to play Bangladesh/Zimbabwe on these pitches?

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 3:20 GMT

I totally disagree with Hafiz. If you look at the dismissal of our batsmen from first test to third test,they can not handle rising and swing bowling.Most of the dismissal are behind the wickets and LBW.which is the proof that they can not handle these deliveries.credit also should be given to SA bowlers and coach for their efforts and implemention of plan on field.Everyone knows that whole unit of SA from management to players giving their 100%. We are seeing the result of those efforts.

POSTED BY
Dravid_Pujara_Gravitas
on | February 24, 2013, 2:41 GMT

He is just another batless wonder in the long list of paki batless wonders. It's a shame to say that he is a test opener. He wouldn't even qualify in our club teams in India as a tailender. Ishant bats better than him by a mile.

POSTED BY
short_cover
on | February 24, 2013, 2:33 GMT

Pak team of late has been more of a club or first class (at best) standard than anything else. The effect of such a low class performance can also impact some of the better players just like the reverse is also possible. In this entire squad that is in South Africa, all of these players except a few are nothing more than first class players who get away with making few runs in suitable conditions. If enough chances are given many first class players can show similar results.
But when it comes to true international (especially such pitches) conditions and coupled with ruthless talent of S. Aftrica, this is what happens. And the stupid guy doesn't even know when to shut up and accept how things are.
I guess the only team in the world where he could be called a professor (in cricketing terms) is Pakistan ... may be the first class teams he played with

POSTED BY
Westhil
on | February 24, 2013, 2:29 GMT

Well, now that the professor (Mr. Hafeez) has admitted that due to SA pace attack, he could not score as an opening batsman. Well, since pace trio of SA threat will be ever present (no matter which position he plays, opener or otherwise), it means Hafeez is worthless as a batsman, period, against SA. If I am a PCB selector, I shall immediatley kick him out of ODI team. If selectors had selected Abdur Rahman , instead of Hafeez, the test series result (against SA) might have been different. Saeed Ajmal is enogh as a world class off spinner, so Hafeez's bowling is not required. This test series result should be an eye opener for selectors, and they must strive to make correct decision as to who to select. I would definitely not select Imran Farhat for being nephew of selection committee. There is a huge conflict of interest. So let us get rid of Hafeez in the ODI's against SA, because he is follwing Afridi's footsteps.

POSTED BY
avmd
on | February 24, 2013, 1:51 GMT

No one is surprised with his failure at the top, he is in denial, everyone predicted his failure against quality bowling. He is still a utility cricketer due to his handy bowling and should play at number 6, at least against quality attacks like SA, Aus and England. He, like Farhat, not expected to improve after 10 years of international cricket. Rather than being ashamed of his performance, he is insisting it was not his fault, rather fault lies with Styne and Co, who are bowling unplayable delivereis.

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 0:57 GMT

the biggest problems with pakistan cricket is performance or lack of it is no criterion for selection. in no other cricketing team would hafeez, umar gul, imran farhat or sarfraz would be playing. in pakistan, once you are established you no longer have to perform but will be along for the ride.... the fact of the matter is this team is a bunch of overhyped mediocrities except saeed ajmal and is getting their..... handed to them by a world class professional team. why would anybody be surprised. we used to win matches when we had world class performers like imran, miandad, inzamam, wasim akram and waqar. we are now but a pathetic shell ....

POSTED BY
on | February 24, 2013, 0:03 GMT

@Front foot lunge,
It's about time that speedsters from other parts of the world would start learning take advantage of this bowler's paradise.

POSTED BY
ak_dragon
on | February 23, 2013, 23:40 GMT

Hafeez n Misbah...pls resigned from your current post. We need Fresh Blood now...its more than enuff..what you guys has done in last 1 yr for Pak Cricket.

Thanks

POSTED BY
yasser211
on | February 23, 2013, 23:38 GMT

The selectors have a lot to answer for. Pakistan was never going to achieve much with 2 players in the top 7 who cannot bat - namely Hafeez and Sarfaraz. This was a big tour for Pakistan and it needed some imaginative selections and an aggressive approach. Mohammed yousuf should have been in the team. It has never been explained why he was ever dropped back in 2010. Abdul Razzaq is a far better bowler than Tanvir or Adil with a solid batting technique to boot. Umar Akmal would not have gotten bogged down and taken the Saffas head on. Nasir jamshed is a long term prospect and should have played this test. Maybe the myth of Mohammed Hafeez has finally been shattered. An opener needs to score big hundreds, not hide behind his part time bowling!!!

POSTED BY
Big_Chikka
on | February 23, 2013, 22:43 GMT

hafeez simply does not have the capability to play this attack in SA. he's limited and to the discerning eye it was apparent as early as the first test. correction can only come with acknowledgment, that seems a million miles away from his thoughts, DROP him.

POSTED BY
rocket123
on | February 23, 2013, 22:35 GMT

Hafeez, your past and present batting performance outside subcontinent does not inspire any confidence. I watched you getting bowled today on the Ist ball of Steyn. Your feet and eye coordination was nowhere to be seen and this has been a consistent problem for you on bounce and seam movement. You are a good player for ODIs but I do not think you are the right candidate for open. Maybe in the middle order with the nucleus of Nasir, Azhar, Umar and Asad, and if ur bowling could be utilized a bit more. You have done a lot for Pakistani cricket as of recent in turbulent times and I think u deserve a chance in trying conditions and middle order with more bowling seems to be the best option but not as an opener. As a captain and vice captain, u should go for Umar Akaml because he is the only talent in recent Pakistan cricket who is fearless and may change the course of game with aggression. Please realize the value of Umar Akmal, he is a gifted player.

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 22:22 GMT

What a brilliant series demonstrating true skill in the test arena. Unfortunately it is all a one way display of excellence by SA. The SA are the best team in the world at the moment. If they can do the business in the sub-continent they will be ranked there alongside the former WI 70/80 and AUS 90/00 teams of the past. Either way they are still the best of this decade.
However I am a PAK supporter and disappointed but still glad we played in SA. Batting has been our Achilles heel for what seems forever. Bowling does have individual brilliance but we have never had a bowling unit for some time.
We need our youth teams to play regular cricket away from 'home'. There is no substitute for learning to play in all these varied conditions. Groom groom and groom should be the motto. I can't knock our current team for lack of technique. As professionals they will be gutted by their performances.
Well done SA and now we PAK know the levels and heights we need to reach collectiv

POSTED BY
OzWally
on | February 23, 2013, 22:17 GMT

To finish the sentence for him. "There is nothing wrong with my technique, so long as the ball doesn't bounce above my knees and is not above 130 kph." Hence his average boosting innings on the sub-continent.

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 22:12 GMT

i think pkistan can change the captain and coach can i pay to shout this both and the diference of captain the second test the poor planing to loss test

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 21:59 GMT

the worst batting line up amongst the current test team's for sure!!!

POSTED BY
Zahidsaltin
on | February 23, 2013, 21:47 GMT

IJAZ BUTT didn't care and until now Zaka Ashraf is on the same lines. Pakistan needs to send A-teams to play in SA, AUS, ENG and NZ. They need at least two lengthy tours every year. These boards should be convinced to accomodate our A-teams specially when we are not having any international games in Pakistan. Our board has only been able to reach Zimb, WI and BD. Are they so incompetent or are we cornored to such an extent by the foreign boards.

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 21:44 GMT

I am surprised how you guys are commenting on Hafeez and Pakistan performance. They are doing what was expected and predicted of them.They never faced a real bowling attack and when ever they came across good side, the result was the same. Check the records if I am wrong.

POSTED BY
Kak-mal_Khan
on | February 23, 2013, 21:31 GMT

I have to say I never saw why both Hafeez and Farhat were ever considered at Test level for Pakistan - however Hafeez stayed in frame because of his bowling, but even in sub-continent he has been guilty of getting out after making 50 and that usually being granted a lifeline by opposition poor fielding. But I would just like to request to the agents of Pakistani batsmen - get your clients signed up to County cricket, Shield cricket and SA and New Zealand leagues. In the Golden era of Pakistani batting Javed Miandad, Zaheer Abbas & Saleem Malik were all involved in English Counties. Our pace bowlers do not need that type of exposure, they benefit by plying their trade on flat wickets and are therefore more potent on the green tops - but please for the sake of Pakistan cricket get the batsman prepared, there is no lifeline now with DRS!

POSTED BY
CricketChat
on | February 23, 2013, 21:23 GMT

Pak would still have been better off playing Nasir, who could potentially develop into a decent opening batsman. Hafeez doesn't have either the temperament or technique to handle top class fast bowlers from SA, Aus and Eng. He will feast on teams from sub-continent and Zim to prolong his career, but that will not do Pak team any good for future. He is only good for T20 that too more in the role of a bowler than a batsman.

POSTED BY
ilyas
on | February 23, 2013, 21:00 GMT

How arrogant can you be? If he was honest and self-critical then be would have realised why he cannot score a run outside the sub-continent. The guy is a complete waste of space as after 10 years he still not adjusted his technique to deal with his failings. His dismissal in the second innings was so embarrassing - like a rabbit in the headlights knowing it was about to be run over but too scared to move!!! The most damning indictment is that even Farhat looks a better bat than Hafeez!!!

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 20:58 GMT

wish pakistan to score 500 runs n hashim amla later scores double century n win man of the series

POSTED BY
Beertjie
on | February 23, 2013, 20:55 GMT

And he is Misbah's likely successor! Agree entirely, @hm4790 on (February 23, 2013, 18:26 GMT), also @Masood Ahmad on (February 23, 2013, 18:42 GMT)! Where are the batting coaches to publicly refute this rubbish?

POSTED BY
umairasgharbutt
on | February 23, 2013, 20:54 GMT

hafeez bro you better play odi and t20..
test cricket real cricket not made for you !

POSTED BY
Zahidsaltin
on | February 23, 2013, 20:54 GMT

He is worst than our tail-enders when it comes to playing on wickets which are not flate. Mr. hafeez enough is enough, keep yourself to ODIs and T20. It is funny to listen that he got out to good balls, what does he expect at this level? Does he expect bowlers like Tanveer and wickets like faisalabad. Shame you have played for 10 years, tell us what is your average in SA, ENG and AUS

POSTED BY
Front-Foot-Lunge
on | February 23, 2013, 20:53 GMT

Hafeez has been a consistent achiever on a great many different pitches around the world, but the present SA pitches are a bowlers' paradise. His stubborn unwillingness to adapt his technique to them has been a big mistake. Good seamers bowl good balls regularly, and the green, pacy SA pitches make balls do all sorts. The only way to play with pertinent caution is with a straight bat. A good example is how Paul Collingwood (who had a technique that made him look as if he was often in a bit of trouble) years ago saved a test match for England in SA. He withstood Steyn and Morkel by being stoic in his defensive against the good ball, and playing down the line with a dead-straight bat against the type of delivery that took the outside edge of so many a Pakistan batsman today. Pakistan need to learn this. And learn it overnight to save them 2nd innings. It can be done, but I'm afraid to say I very much doubt it.

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 19:53 GMT

LOL at hafeez he is just a professor to know how to be in playing 11 when u talk about his batting performance he says i can bowl if u talk his bowling he says i am opener.In my opinion he is below average and unable to compete at international level in last 2 years he is not miss a single match from Pakistan in all formats but performance is not good at all. As a opener in 110 ODI matches avg 27.27 strike rate 68 who can justify that.....and ONLY on turning tracks and when pressure is on he can take wkts otherwise in his own captancy he is reluctant to complete his bowling quota

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 19:49 GMT

I have a simple and easy to implement for the PCB board , management and selectors.First of all get rid of the players real who are cause for concern its easy to identify i mean hafeez sarfaraz azhar must be forced to leave the test spot either for new comers , secondly a seprate test and ODI team will not harm the pak as it gives the chances to new players but also put less pressure on the tired legs of youns khan and misbah in this manner they can be restricted to the test format only.Thirdly pcb doesn't underestimate the value of experience if Muhammad Yousf and Razaq would had been part of the team humiliation and shameful scoreboard may have been different.Its time to ACT not and players must be made answerable for their stupid and childlike play.Close the door for those who boost in the media for lack of chances but when given do nothing.Among other things pak must must must must must try to have some bouncy pitches like sa aus engl, otherwise same is inevitable.

POSTED BY
Ramu444
on | February 23, 2013, 19:42 GMT

he should be ashamed of his performence instead of defending it.he is not a test opener.he should only be restricted to T20 and ODIs.

POSTED BY
Darvesh
on | February 23, 2013, 19:31 GMT

"There is nothing wrong with my technique" says the guy who's been playing international cricket for almost 10 yrs with a miserly test average of 36 - and even worse 16 outside his comfort zone of flat tracks!!

We agree with you Hafeez, there's nothing wrong with your technique cuz you don't really have any batting skills or techniques to begin with - so you can't blame something which doesn't even exist. Only in Pakistan a consistent non-performer like him could survive in the team for this long and that too, in the most crucial position of an opener. Any angle you see his batting, you can easily notice that he has learned and improved absolutely nothing from his consistently getting out cheap, there's no foot work and no understanding of picking the shot in seam & swing conditions. Yes, just give him the dead tracks of sub-continent and he may flourish if we're lucky. It will be golden day for the future of cricket in Pakistan when he'll call it quits.

POSTED BY
Surajdon9
on | February 23, 2013, 19:17 GMT

What u want from an opener, everything Hafeez doesn't do:
1) Temperament to see the shine off the new ball
2) Make the bowlers earn u're wicket, pride and respect you're wicket preciously
3) Regularly be there after 25 overs so the change up bowlers or spinners cannot bowl with the pressure on the batting side when they r introduced into the attack
4) Play within ur limitations
5) Have a clear game plan about how to approach proceedings
6) Concentration, Patience,old fashioned test match virtue
Mohammad Hafeez is a joke of a test match opener against seam and swing of any real pedigree, particularly outside Asia
He has been most disappointing on this tou:
A) He is one of 2 batsmen who have previous playing experience of red ball cricket in SA
B) He struggled here in 2007 in all 3 tests and hasn't learn from his experience
C) He is the vice-captain of the side
D) In the absence of Taufeeq Umar he really needed to step up.
E) He was supposed to be guiding a debutant in the first 2 test

POSTED BY
vagabond100
on | February 23, 2013, 19:09 GMT

ludicrous. Instead of accepting his mistakes, he is off blaming the conditions and SA bowlers for his dismal performance. What did he expect? Steyn pitching half volleys? 10 years in the game and he hasnt grown up yet. He is one of the only two players in the Pakistani squad, another being Younus Khan, who had the idea of conditions and yet he is bewildered by ways he got out. He should be barred from playing test cricket for Pakistan for not accepting the responsibility. And my hunch is, its Hafeez himself who doesnt want to bowl much in test cricket. Why else would Misbah not bowl him regularly?

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 19:08 GMT

Guys lay off him. He's got a decent technique but his shot selection has been questionable. He has played across the line when circumspection was required. On more than a few occasions he has received RIPPERS from Steyn. He's okay. He will tough it out. He's done well in the last year. We were outclassed by an opposition of higher skill level. There's no point in singling out anyone.

POSTED BY
Hira1
on | February 23, 2013, 19:06 GMT

I have never seen a player of Hafiz calibre playing in any form of cricket for so long yet alone he is a regular opener in Pak team, if he is selected as a spinner than Abdul Rahman is a far better spinner and am sure can score if not more than same amount of runs, at this stage his technique cannot be change so there is no option but not to select him in later tours as he doesn't have the courage to step down himself

POSTED BY
Spelele
on | February 23, 2013, 19:02 GMT

What? No ways! He has fallen to Steyn several times as a result of not moving his feet! EVERYTHING is wrong with his technique!

It's been a really disappointing tour for PAK batsmen, so let us not bash their openers. Let's also remember that it's been quiet tough upfront against the new ball on these pitches. Our own openers (Smith and Peterson) have struggle and average in the 26 and 15 respectively. That says to me that it's been tough to get through the new ball (although the SA openers will feel upset because they got a few starts and did not kick on).

The South Africans have definitely raised the standards, and are looking all class. It will be interesting to see how the side continues from hereon. If they continue playing the kind of cricket that we have seen from them over the last couple of years, then I don't see any team that can beat them. We'll have to see though :)

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 18:56 GMT

Hafeez has been good, his comeback was one of the most successful one in history BUT in odis & t20s. In tests he has just performed well in Asian conditions.

His technique may be ok. but problem is he was never a opner in 1st place. It will be better that he will be used down the order. He is out of form and i dont think he will do any good in odis as opner. should come down and kamran should open.

About bowling, that is a major problem. Hafeez is more better than a part timer but i dont know why he is not used. He is in top ranks in odis/t20 but why not used properly in tests is a question mark. on 1st day of tour he picked 4 wickets. in last test when they needed he only bowled 2 overs.

POSTED BY
mzm149
on | February 23, 2013, 18:46 GMT

No worries. I hope Hafeez will regain his form and will score plenty of runs in ODIs and T20s just like he did in India recently. I want to see Hafeez bowling more overs. With 4 specialist bowlers in ODIs and T20s, Hafeez will complete his quota of 10 and 4 overs respectively.

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 18:42 GMT

Frankly speaking it's not only about Hafeez, rather it's with almost everybody except Younus khan.

Pakistani batsmen lack the required standard to play at wickets supporting fast bowlers. It's just that simple.

There is no quick solution to that, because school and college level cricket isn't producing any battling talent. That itself has reasons such as lack of grounds, bowler friendly pitches, and too much of tape ball cricket.

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 18:29 GMT

He is not just not good enough to play the ball in swinging conditions. Sadly no amount of nets will prepare him for what Steyn and co will deliver as no one in the Pakistan team can swing the ball that way.

POSTED BY
hm4790
on | February 23, 2013, 18:26 GMT

LOL at Hafeez the Professor saying there nothing wrong with his technique. You have no technique to begin with, all you have is a cowardly temperament just like the Pakistani tail beginning with Sarfraz (a joke of a cricketer) who can't even hold a cricket bat. A talentless player who has been torturing Pakistan cricket for the last decade. If Pakistani selectors had any sort of credibility, they'd ban this guy from ever playing for Pakistan.

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 18:22 GMT

I am not a fan of Hafeez - he feels proud and seems he is the only one who knows everything about cricket - that is why he is called professor. He should learn his mistakes rather than just making these comments. Everyone in the world knows that Pakistan batting has flopped because they are not better players of pacy wickets. This was predicted before the series and it is exactly what happened. SA is no doubt World Number 1 team who performs everywhere. As a Pakistani, I don't have good feeling for Pakistan team but as a cricketer I am enjoying the SA attack , also their world class batting.

No featured comments at the moment.

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 18:22 GMT

I am not a fan of Hafeez - he feels proud and seems he is the only one who knows everything about cricket - that is why he is called professor. He should learn his mistakes rather than just making these comments. Everyone in the world knows that Pakistan batting has flopped because they are not better players of pacy wickets. This was predicted before the series and it is exactly what happened. SA is no doubt World Number 1 team who performs everywhere. As a Pakistani, I don't have good feeling for Pakistan team but as a cricketer I am enjoying the SA attack , also their world class batting.

POSTED BY
hm4790
on | February 23, 2013, 18:26 GMT

LOL at Hafeez the Professor saying there nothing wrong with his technique. You have no technique to begin with, all you have is a cowardly temperament just like the Pakistani tail beginning with Sarfraz (a joke of a cricketer) who can't even hold a cricket bat. A talentless player who has been torturing Pakistan cricket for the last decade. If Pakistani selectors had any sort of credibility, they'd ban this guy from ever playing for Pakistan.

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 18:29 GMT

He is not just not good enough to play the ball in swinging conditions. Sadly no amount of nets will prepare him for what Steyn and co will deliver as no one in the Pakistan team can swing the ball that way.

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 18:42 GMT

Frankly speaking it's not only about Hafeez, rather it's with almost everybody except Younus khan.

Pakistani batsmen lack the required standard to play at wickets supporting fast bowlers. It's just that simple.

There is no quick solution to that, because school and college level cricket isn't producing any battling talent. That itself has reasons such as lack of grounds, bowler friendly pitches, and too much of tape ball cricket.

POSTED BY
mzm149
on | February 23, 2013, 18:46 GMT

No worries. I hope Hafeez will regain his form and will score plenty of runs in ODIs and T20s just like he did in India recently. I want to see Hafeez bowling more overs. With 4 specialist bowlers in ODIs and T20s, Hafeez will complete his quota of 10 and 4 overs respectively.

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 18:56 GMT

Hafeez has been good, his comeback was one of the most successful one in history BUT in odis & t20s. In tests he has just performed well in Asian conditions.

His technique may be ok. but problem is he was never a opner in 1st place. It will be better that he will be used down the order. He is out of form and i dont think he will do any good in odis as opner. should come down and kamran should open.

About bowling, that is a major problem. Hafeez is more better than a part timer but i dont know why he is not used. He is in top ranks in odis/t20 but why not used properly in tests is a question mark. on 1st day of tour he picked 4 wickets. in last test when they needed he only bowled 2 overs.

POSTED BY
Spelele
on | February 23, 2013, 19:02 GMT

What? No ways! He has fallen to Steyn several times as a result of not moving his feet! EVERYTHING is wrong with his technique!

It's been a really disappointing tour for PAK batsmen, so let us not bash their openers. Let's also remember that it's been quiet tough upfront against the new ball on these pitches. Our own openers (Smith and Peterson) have struggle and average in the 26 and 15 respectively. That says to me that it's been tough to get through the new ball (although the SA openers will feel upset because they got a few starts and did not kick on).

The South Africans have definitely raised the standards, and are looking all class. It will be interesting to see how the side continues from hereon. If they continue playing the kind of cricket that we have seen from them over the last couple of years, then I don't see any team that can beat them. We'll have to see though :)

POSTED BY
Hira1
on | February 23, 2013, 19:06 GMT

I have never seen a player of Hafiz calibre playing in any form of cricket for so long yet alone he is a regular opener in Pak team, if he is selected as a spinner than Abdul Rahman is a far better spinner and am sure can score if not more than same amount of runs, at this stage his technique cannot be change so there is no option but not to select him in later tours as he doesn't have the courage to step down himself

POSTED BY
on | February 23, 2013, 19:08 GMT

Guys lay off him. He's got a decent technique but his shot selection has been questionable. He has played across the line when circumspection was required. On more than a few occasions he has received RIPPERS from Steyn. He's okay. He will tough it out. He's done well in the last year. We were outclassed by an opposition of higher skill level. There's no point in singling out anyone.

POSTED BY
vagabond100
on | February 23, 2013, 19:09 GMT

ludicrous. Instead of accepting his mistakes, he is off blaming the conditions and SA bowlers for his dismal performance. What did he expect? Steyn pitching half volleys? 10 years in the game and he hasnt grown up yet. He is one of the only two players in the Pakistani squad, another being Younus Khan, who had the idea of conditions and yet he is bewildered by ways he got out. He should be barred from playing test cricket for Pakistan for not accepting the responsibility. And my hunch is, its Hafeez himself who doesnt want to bowl much in test cricket. Why else would Misbah not bowl him regularly?